Why alcohol increases the risk of cancer, from the first glass

Our body pays a tribute to alcohol, whether consumed regularly or occasionally. Nevertheless, This substance has harmful effects on health. Therefore, affecting many organs, from the brain to the gastrointestinal system, including lungs, muscles (including the heart) and the immune system. In addition, We know today that alcohol notably causes cancers.

In the United States. For example, alcohol is responsible for around 100,000 cases of cancer and 20,000 cancer deaths each year, making it the third avoidable cause of cancer. In addition, By way of comparison, alcohol-related road accidents cause approximately 13,500 deaths a year in the United States.

(In France. Nevertheless, in 2018, 28,000 new cases of cancer was attributable to alcohol, or 8 % of cancer incident cases, with a distribution of 11 % in men and 4.5 % in women. In addition, Road accidents related to alcohol and/or why alcohol increases risk cancer, narcotic consumption caused nearly 1. Similarly, 250 deaths in 2024, alcohol being involved in three -quarters of the cases, editor’s note).

Scientists suspected in the 1980s that alcohol could cause cancer. In addition, Epidemiological studies have since shown that alcohol consumption has increased the risk of cancer of the oral cavity. Furthermore, gorge, larynx, esophagus, liver, colon and rectum, as well as breast. Nevertheless, Other works have revealed an association between chronic consumption or ad hocity punctual alcoholism and pancreatic cancer.

In 2000. In addition, National Toxicology Program officials in the United States concluded that the consumption of alcoholic beverages should be considered a proven carcinogen for humans. Meanwhile, In 2012. In addition, the International Center for Research on Cancer (IARC), the agency specializing in cancer of the World Health Organization, classified alcohol among carcinogens in group 1.. In addition, The membership of a substance to this category. However, the why alcohol increases risk cancer, highest in the Circ classification, indicates that there are sufficient scientific evidence to conclude that it causes cancers in humans. Centers for Disease Control. Prevention and the National Institutes of Health also agree that evidence is conclusive: alcohol is the source of different types of cancers.

In addition. in the United States (As in France, editor’s note), the health authorities point out that even small amounts of alcohol – less than one glass per day – increase the risk of cancer.

Despite everything, many citizens do not know that alcohol causes cancers. In 2019, less than 50 % of adults in the United States were aware of the links between alcohol consumption and carcinogenic risk.

In France, the link between alcohol and cancer is also underestimated by part of the population. The 2021 cancer barometer survey, conducted by the National Cancer Institute, revealed that 38.6 % of those questioned think why alcohol increases risk cancer, that “it is especially strong alcohols that increase the risk of cancer”, while 23.5 % believe that “overall. drinking a little wine reduces the risk of cancer rather than drinking at all”, even “French Paradox” _It is now beaten in a breach, Editor’s note.

In addition. the 2023 edition of the National Survey On Drug Use and Health noted that more than 224 million Americans, aged 12 and over, had consumed alcohol at a time of their lives – more than 79 % of people in this age group. Alcohol consumption was already increasing before the Cavid-19 pandemic, which is a worrying public health subject.

In France. according to data collected by Public Health France, the daily consumption of alcohol has decreased regularly for thirty years. However. it is noted that, if “significant occasional alcoholizations” tend to decrease in young men, they increase significantly in women over 35 years of why alcohol increases risk cancer, age. In both cases, regional disparities are marked, editor’s note.

As a researcher, I study the biological effects of moderate consumption and long -lasting alcohol. My team works to elucidate the mechanisms by which alcohol increases the risk of cancer. in particular via The damage to immune cells and the liver.

Why alcohol increases risk cancer,

How does alcohol cause cancer?

Cancer occurs when cells start to grow uncontrolled in the body. Alcohol can promote the formation of tumors by damaging DNA, provoking mutations that disrupt cellular division and growth.

The researchers have identified several mechanisms that could explain how alcohol consumption leads to the development of cancers. A report published in 2025 by the United States Public Health Administrator (surgeon general of the United States) has listed why alcohol increases risk cancer, four main tracks by which alcohol can cause cancer:

• alcohol metabolism.
• oxidative stress and inflammation,
• the alterations of hormonal levels,
• Interactions with other carcinogens (such as tobacco smoke).

The expression “alcohol metabolism” – the first path by which this substance can cause cancers – designates processes thanks to which the organism degrades. eliminates alcohol. Once ingested. the latter undergoes, under the effect of various enzymes, chemical transformations which will allow its elimination (it is said that it is “metabolized”). The first by-product of these reactions is acetaldehyde, a substance itself classified as carcinogen. Scientists have shown that certain genetic mutations can bring the body of certain individuals to break down alcohol faster. causing increased levels of acetaldehyde.

The second path by which alcohol increases the risk of cancer implies other harmful molecules, called “free radicals”. Alcohol can trigger the release of these chemically reactive why alcohol increases risk cancer, chemical molecules. which damage DNA, proteins and cell lipids by a so -called “oxidative stress” process. My laboratory has shown that free radicals from alcohol consumption can directly affect how cells synthesize. degrade proteins, resulting in the production of abnormal proteins that maintain inflammation conducive to the formation of tumors.

The risk of cancer can also be increased by alcohol in a third way. due to the ability of this substance to modify hormonal levels. We know that moderate alcohol consumption can not only increase estrogen levels, but also promote the pursuit of why alcohol increases risk cancer, consumption. However, work has shown that the risk of breast cancer can be increased by the estrogen level. Alcohol also amplifies the risk of breast cancer by reducing vitamin A levels, which regulates estrogens.

Finally, alcohol increases the risk of cancer by interacting with other carcinogenic substances. We know. for example, that people who drink and smoke have an increased risk of developing cancer of the mouth, pharynx and larynx. This is because alcohol facilitates the absorption, by the body, of the carcinogens contained in cigarettes and electronic cigarettes.

In the current state of knowledge. the risk of cancer associated with the long -term use of vapoteuses seems much less than that of tobacco cigarettes, but it is not null (compared to not using it); In question, the presence of certain potentially mutagenic or carcinogenic constituents in the aerosols generated by electronic cigarettes, which may influence the risk of certain why alcohol increases risk cancer, cancers, especially in the event of prolonged use. Additional data must however still be collected to assess the said risk, editor’s note.

In addition, smoking alone can also cause inflammation, inducing free radicals that damage DNA.

Why alcohol increases risk cancer,

What dose of alcohol is safe?

If you drink alcohol, you may have already wondered if there is a minimum dose allowing consumption safely. The response of clinicians and scientists may not like it: alcohol consumption is never without risk.

The risk of cancer increases from the first glass. increases with the amount consumed, regardless of the type of alcoholic drink ingested.

In the United States. the centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the public health administrator of the United States advocates not to exceed one glass per day for women and two glasses for men

In France, the why alcohol increases risk cancer, benchmarks of alcohol consumption “at a lower risk” do not establish any distinction between the sexes. To communicate on the subject. the authorities retained the formula: ” [Pour votre santé, l’alcool c’est maximum deux verres par jour, et pas tous les jours(https://www.drogues.gouv.fr/campagne-alcool-nouveaux-reperes-de-consommation-moindre-risque) »]editor’s note.

Alcohol consumption is therefore a cause of highly avoidable cancer.

To date, however, there is no method of determining the individual risk of developing alcohol -related cancer. The genetic profile specific to each. lifestyle, food and other factors can influence the propensity of alcohol to lead to the formation of tumors. One thing is certain: reconsidering its consumption habits can help protect your health and reduce your risk of cancer.

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